It’s true..I’ve still yet to eat at these 10 places.
Doe’s Eat Place: I’ve been told their steaks are very solid, the tamales are a Little Rock tradition, and the fried shrimp are to die for. Hell, it’s was even a Bill Clinton hangout back in the day. Maybe it’s the funky location or my lack of desire to split a steak with four people—who knows?
Trio’s: Here’s another head-scratcher. I’ve actually heard very positive things about Trio’s, but there doesn’t seem to be too much buzz surrounding the place. And let’s face it, sometimes “buzz” (i.e..a strong social media presence) can often get you in the door. Trio’s does have a nice FB page and website, but no Twitter account is a big no-no. I think this place is supposed to have really dynamite desserts.
Cotham’s: I have not been to either location. The one in Scott certainly tempts me. Heck, I even tried to check it out one Saturday afternoon, but a huge downpour prohibited the visit. Not even the iconic Hubcap Burger has been enough to lure me to Cotham’s, although rumors of spectacular onion rings may certainly do the trick.
Loca Luna: I just have not heard positive reviews from some of my foodie friends whose opinions I very much respect.
Red Door: Well, it makes sense, if I haven’t been to Loca Luna, chances are pretty slim I’ve been to Red Door. Although, feedback I’ve gotten has been a bit more favorable, especially towards the pizza.
Iriana’s: Many people believe this is some of the best pizza in town. I’m excited to find out, but doubt it’s better than my beloved Vino’s. Maybe it is–and it’s definitely time for me to find out. Here’s my issue with Iriana’s, I don’t work or live near downtown. And when I go into DT, pizza is often not my first, second, or even third choice.
Waffle House: Another head-scratcher. Some people might be wondering why a chain restaurant would even be on this list. I’ll tell you: it’s Waffle House…they’re everywhere! And who doesn’t love some hash browns with eggs? Sadly, I’m in my mid-30’s, married with children, and late night greasy spoon runs are just no longer part of the equation.
Packet House: This restaurant really shouldn’t be on the list. I booked reservations for a date night a few months back. Cancelled. My wife for some strange reason favored a romantic trip to Layla’s. Sexy. Another time, a foodie invitation to try out Packet’s new bar food menu got botched by them…or me…or it doesn’t really matter. The bottom line is this, I’ve heard mixed reviews about the food at Packet House, but I’m still eager to try the place out.
Arthur’s Steakhouse: I’m just not a big fan of steak. And unless my in-laws are in town for a celebratory dinner on their dime, I don’t see Arthur’s $40 filet happening anytime soon.
Sims Barbecue: Word on the street is that Sims has some pretty darn good ‘cue. Call me a little gun shy, but in a city filled with surprisingly average joints, I’m just always hesitant to eat barbecue in Little Rock. Maybe Sims will change my mind.
These are my 10 top spots. How about you…any you’ve never been to that just might surprise people?
8 Comments
“Cotham’s: I have not been to either location. The one in Scott certainly tempts me. Heck, I even tried to check it out one Saturday afternoon, but a huge downpour prohibited the visit. Not even the iconic Hubcap Burger has been enough to lure me to Cotham’s, although rumors of spectacular onion rings may certainly do the trick.”
In the words of Mark Twain, rumors of spectacular onion rings have been greatly exaggerated.
“Iriana’s: Many people believe this is some of the best pizza in town.”
These people are mistaken.
“And when I go into DT, pizza is often not my first, second, or even third choice.”
Similarly, Iriana’s is not my first, second or third choice for pizza in Little Rock.
“Sims Barbecue: Word on the street is that Sims has some pretty darn good ‘cue. Call me a little gun shy, but in a city filled with surprisingly average joints, I’m just always hesitant to eat barbecue in Little Rock.”
Some of the best bbq in LR, for what that’s worth.
I think the lack of Trio buzz is due to the fact it has been around forever in restaurant years.
I think Iriana’s is worth it.
I think Doe’s has Clinton hype. I wasn’t that impressed.
Sims is good.
Skip Doe’s.
Trio’s…I live near it and haven’t been in ages. I remember it being good but it’s one of those places that just is there. Kinda like Graffiti’s (and I’ve still never been there).
Cotham’s…not been in a long time. Both locations are highly inconvenient. If you go…make the trip to Scott. Onion rings are tasty.
Loca Luna / Red Door. I have some built-in biases against these places that I won’t share. Not places I visit.
Iriana’s…never been. But, like you…when DT…I don’t think pizza (and if I do…we head to Gusano’s).
Waffle House…lived on their All-You-Can-Eat menu when I was in college…not been in years because I like better food for breakfast and I make my own waffles now.
Packet House…I love their steaks. Everyone raves about the shoestring fries. Not me. Found their desserts to be weak. Been there multiple times when my server was also making my drinks (and not very well). But…the steak was memorable.
Arthur’s…Not been there…but I will say that the same owner has run a few different concepts in the same space in what seems to be an attempt to see what sticks.
Sims…good stuff…now I want it for dinner. And you are so right…LR doesn’t have enough variety of quality BBQ. If someone tells me the like Famous Dave’s they are dead to me.
I would suggest taking a trip out to Mablelvale and visiting Three Sams BBQ. Full disclosure…my wife’s extended family runs it. Good BBQ and the peanut butter pie is outrageously delicious.
Haven’t been to Doe’s in a VERY long time, but if I were in the mood (and not buying), I’d go.
I’ve been to the Cotham’s downtown at lunch and was vastly underwhelmed. A friend gave me a few bites of his hubcap burger and it was….well, it was a burger. There are far better in town (Big Orange, CBG, David’s).
I seemed to have a string of Loca Luna visits that were absolutely fine, but I just got burned out on them. I’m afraid Red Door has suffered from that too. But both have been fine when I went.
Been to Iriana’s all of 2 times I think and I really liked it. Note–I will eat almost anything called pizza.
I too don’t go to Waffle House as much since I’m asleep and/or sober in the early am hours.
I *have* to try Packet House my own self.
Arthur’s is a wonderful place when you just need to get fancied up and have a wonderful meal. Is it expensive? Yes. Is the service perfect? Yes. It’s an interesting mix of high style and genuine warmth that you’re there. Could be stuffy, but it’s not. I do prefer to go when someone else is paying. 😉
I’ve not been to Sims either.
Shameless plug: Acadia Acadia Acadia. (I’m not related to or having Certs encounters with anyone there…I just love the place.)
I’ll be honest EY…I went to Acadia several months ago and wasn’t all that impressed. But you’re the second foodie in the past few weeks praising it…so I need to re-visit. I had the duck, which was fantastic, but it was overpowered by this thick mustard sauce. What do you rec I order?
I have my birthday dinner at Acadia every year. Have for at least the past 12. If I didn’t have the Mac and cheese on the menu for birthday dinner, I have a few friends who would skip. It’s good, but to me a little too rich and heavy. However, they and lots more folks love it. I love anything they do with scallops and the preparation they currently have is really good. I’ve had their short ribs and they are good, but probably would be better when it’s cooler.
I’m not a fish fan, but I’ve heard folks rave about how they do it. I have a hard time getting chicken when I’m out someplace good, but I’ve had theirs once and it was good. I’d try anything that came out of that kitchen. If there is ice cream for dessert, DO NOT MISS IT. I’ve never been a bread pudding fan, but LOVE any variation they have
Sorry, that was me replying….need more coffee today 🙂
I wouldn’t waste my time with Doe’s in LR, it is Doe’s in name only (as are most of the other pretenders). If you want the true Doe’s experience and food, visit the genuine article in Greenville, MS.
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